As Nigeria accelerates its transition to a gas-powered economy, a critical new event—the Gas Safety Conference—is set to take place next week, bringing together key stakeholders from across the nation’s gas value chain.
Organised by Fleissen Events, a leading event design company and sponsored by the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), this conference aims to address the urgent safety challenges posed by Nigeria’s expanding gas production, transportation, distribution, and utilisation sectors.
Speaking during a pre-conference briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, founder/managing partner at Fleissen & Company, Sunday Kanshio, noted that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves are increasingly powering homes, businesses, vehicles, and power plants nationwide.
As a result, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) trucks are now common sights on Nigerian roads, reflecting the country’s growing reliance on gas.
However, Dr Kanshio noted gas handling carries significant risks due to its volatile nature—gas leaks or explosions can cause catastrophic damage, as highlighted by recent incidents.
According to him, the conference, to be held from July 8 to 9, 2025, will focus on developing and enforcing safety standards, infrastructure, and training across the entire gas value chain.
From gas production sites to distribution pipelines and household usage, safety protocols are paramount to prevent accidents that could endanger lives and property.
He said the event will convene a broad spectrum of participants, including oil and gas companies, regulators, police, road safety officials, fire services, and the media. The organisers emphasised that safety is a shared responsibility, involving government agencies, private sector players, and citizens alike.
He also encouraged media representatives to take a leading role in shaping public awareness and education on gas safety practices—from safe driving of gas-powered vehicles to proper handling of gas cylinders at home.
The conference will also unveil the National Gas Safety Declaration, a voluntary commitment by organisations to uphold stringent safety measures.
Speakers at the conference will discuss the critical need for investment in gas infrastructure, such as pipelines for safer and more efficient gas distribution, which will reduce reliance on hazardous gas transport trucks. The government and private sector are urged to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for infrastructure development and enforcement of safety regulations.
The conference aims to foster dialogue on how regulators can better monitor compliance, ensure safe siting of gas plants away from densely populated areas, and hold operators accountable. This proactive approach is designed to prevent accidents and protect the growing number of Nigerians benefiting from gas energy.
